Virtue signalling

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The volume of work they do, what proportion comes from Govt or semi-Govt referrals ?

Their office is at NTUC Centre. Guess how much work comes from the govt or govt-related entitles

 

[LexLuthor]

Their office is at NTUC Centre. Guess how much work comes from the govt or govt-related entitles

So $1 million is chicken feet lah. Can earn back easily. They should donate $1 million every month.

 

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Retail investor group donates $64,888 to ST School Pocket Money Fund​

(From left) Mr Lim Kok Eng, Mr James Peh, Mr Andy Tan, Madam Juliana Tan, Madam Jenny Wong, Madam Ong Bee Bee, and Mr Roger Tan with Ms Tan Bee Heong, general manager of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, at the cheque presentation on Nov 10, 2022 at the SPH office at Toa Payoh North. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN

Nadine Chua


NOV 10, 2022

SINGAPORE - The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) received a $64,888 donation from a group of retail investors on Thursday.
Mr Roger Tan, 68, one of the donors who chipped in to the fund, said: “A little sacrifice by us will hopefully bring tremendous joy to the underprivileged schoolchildren in Singapore.
“This is especially so now that times are getting harder, with inflation affecting these children badly.”
The donation came from 114 members of Aztech Minority Watch, a retail investor group that was formed in 2017.
Mr Tan, a retired information technology manager, said the donation was made in memory of one of the group’s founders, Mr Francis Tay, who died in his sleep in 2019.
“This would be our way of honouring Mr Tay. He was a very friendly and hard-working person. I’m sure he would also want money to be donated to the underprivileged,” said Mr Tan.
“Children will shape our future. So we hope the money can help them as much as possible.”

Initiated by The Straits Times in 2000, STSPMF provides pocket money to children from low-income families.
The fund has disbursed over $90 million to more than 200,000 children since then.
Every year, the fund supports 10,000 children and youth from families whose per capita gross monthly household income is less than $690. Around $7.8 million has been disbursed by STSPMF since the start of 2022.

 

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Accounting firm BDO Singapore donates $50k to ST School Pocket Money Fund​

BDO Singapore managing partner Frankie Chia (left) presenting the cheque to STSPMF general manager Tan Bee Heong at the SPH News Centre. ST PHOTO: FELINE LIM
Yong Li Xuan

DEC 15, 2022

SINGAPORE - The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) received a $50,000 donation from accounting and business advisory firm BDO Singapore on Thursday.
To mark the firm’s 50th anniversary, BDO Singapore managing partner Frankie Chia presented the cheque to STSPMF general manager Tan Bee Heong at the SPH News Centre in Toa Payoh.
Mr Chia said that to celebrate its golden jubilee, the firm wanted to share its success with the community.
“As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, many low-income families may still face financial difficulties. We hope the contribution will help the children prepare for school in the new academic year,” he added.
As part of its celebrations, BDO Singapore also organised a virtual run and walk to raise funds for three charities – Club Rainbow, Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped.
Mr Chia explained that the firm donated to STSPMF because supporting children and youth is a pillar of its charitable giving strategy.
Every year, STSPMF provides pocket money to about 10,000 children and young people from families whose per capita gross monthly household income is not more than $690.

In September, BDO Singapore also donated $50,000 to the Singapore University of Social Sciences to provide grants to full-time students from low-income families who are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees at the university.
“No one should be left behind in education,” Mr Chia said.
“We hope these children and youth have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and give back to our country and the community later.”

 

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Family of late former CJ Yong Pung How donates $20m to SMU’s law school​

The SMU School of Law was renamed in 2021 after former chief justice Yong Pung How, who died in January 2020. PHOTOS: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE, ST FILE
Sarah Koh


JAN 9, 2023

SINGAPORE – The family of the late former chief justice (CJ) Yong Pung How has donated $20 million to the Singapore Management University’s (SMU) law school to set up financial aid and fellowship programmes as well as a research fund.
According to an SMU statement on Friday, the donation forms part of the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL).
The SMU School of Law was renamed in 2021 after Mr Yong, who died in January 2020.
His wife, Mrs Yong Wei Woo, made the donation in his honour.
“He had been closely associated with SMU and the law school since its founding years and (was) proud of its rapid development,” she said.
“We are delighted to be able to make this gift to continue his good deeds in nurturing young law undergraduates, developing quality faculty and supporting the acceleration of legal research in growing areas of critical importance.”
Mr Yong served as SMU’s pro-chancellor from 2008 to 2010 and as chancellor from 2010 to 2015. He was also the founding chairman of the law school’s advisory board from 2007 to 2011 and helped develop its curriculum when the school was in its infancy.

Half of the $20 million donation will be channelled towards the Yong Pung How Law Access Award, which will commence in the 2023-2024 academic year. It seeks to support first-year law undergraduates in financial need.
A sum of $5 million will be used to set up the Yong Pung How Fellowship programme to attract and retain faculty at the school, and recruit young law graduates into academia.
The other $5 million will be used for the Yong Pung How Research Impact Fund to accelerate the research endeavours and thought leadership of the school in emerging areas of interest.
Mr Yong took over as Singapore’s second CJ in 1990 and helmed the role for 16 years. His other notable contributions and appointments include setting up the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, now called GIC; leading the Monetary Authority of Singapore; and being chairman of OCBC Bank.
Dean of YPHSL, Professor Lee Pey Woan, said the gift is of “exceptional significance” because Mr Yong was “not only an outstanding lawyer and a distinguished judge but also a pioneer and a nation-builder who made extraordinary contributions to Singapore”.
“His single-minded commitment to justice and the nation’s well-being will be our constant inspiration,” she added.

 

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S’pore-based palm oil firm donates $5m to charities​

Musim Mas decided to take action after seeing media reports on charities here struggling to keep programmes and services running, said CFO Alvin Lim. PHOTO: MUSIM MAS/FACEBOOK

Gena Soh

Jan 10, 2023

SINGAPORE - Palm oil firm Musim Mas is donating $5 million to six charities.
This is the second time the company is making such a large donation in recent years. In June 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, it donated $5 million to five charitable organisations to help those affected by the pandemic.
This year, $1.5 million of the donation will go to The Majurity Trust, which funds a range of social and community projects.
Singapore General Hospital and Community Chest will each receive $1 million.
The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which supports students from low-income families, Metta Welfare Association, which helps children with special needs, and Viva Foundation, which caters to children with cancer, will each receive $500,000.
Mr Alvin Lim, chief financial officer and executive director of Musim Mas Holdings, said the Singapore-based firm decided to take action after seeing media reports on charities here struggling to keep programmes and services for the less privileged running.
This is due to a 30 per cent dip in financial support from the corporate sector and members of the public – key sources of funding for all charities.

Mr Lim said: “The rising inflation and soaring cost of living have affected Singaporeans from all walks of life. But the impact is felt even more keenly by those who are facing challenges in life, and the organisations which support them.
“As a responsible business based in Singapore, Musim Mas believes in doing whatever we can, within our means, to keep these meaningful programmes and services for the vulnerable going.”
The Majurity Trust’s chief executive, Mr Martin Tan, said: “Youth mental health and dementia caregiving remain two of The Majurity Trust’s key focus areas. We are grateful for the continued support from Musim Mas Holdings since 2020.”

 

[blackmondy]

A lie-fabricating machine patting itself on the back for successfully lying to the public using public money.

 

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‘We’re blessed, so we give back’: CEO donates $275,000 to NKF dialysis centre​

SUTL chief executive Arthur Tay continued his father’s legacy by donating over $300,000 over the years to NKF. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Shermaine Ang

March 5, 2023

SINGAPORE - He was an avid soccer player and ran marathons. But a shock diagnosis of kidney failure at the age of 18 put an end to Mr Muhammad Izzad Aman’s sporting dreams.
His energy levels cratered, he had fever often and constantly felt short of breath. Not only did he have to drop all sports activities, he also gave up his ambition of becoming an interior designer.
“I was really depressed,” he said. “I couldn’t do much, and I was thrown into a lifestyle that I was not familiar with.”
Kidney failure is the fifth and final stage of chronic kidney disease, where the kidneys are severely damaged and unable to filter waste from the blood. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed by dialysis.
Since his diagnosis, Mr Izzad has been receiving dialysis thrice a week for 11 years.
At 30, he is one of the youngest among 118 patients at the Tay Choon Hye–NKF Dialysis Centre, who are on average 65 years old.
More than 300,000 people in Singapore suffer from chronic kidney disease. More may be undiagnosed, as the disease has no obvious symptoms until the final stage.

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF), which has 40 dialysis centres islandwide, supports more than 5,400 of the over 9,000 dialysis patients in Singapore.
While dialysis can cost more than $2,000 per month without subsidies, 77 per cent of NKF patients pay between zero and $50.

Private-hire driver Muhammad Izzad Aman receiving dialysis on Feb 27 at the Tay Choon Hye - NKF Dialysis Centre. ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG
NKF’s Whampoa centre was set up with SUTL founder Tay Choon Hye’s $5 million donation in 1999. SUTL, which started out as a ship chandelling and duty-free supply trading company in 1968, is now a leisure and lifestyle business. It owns the ONE°15 Marina brand, as well as owns and operates marinas around the world.

Mr Tay himself had kidney failure and died in 2002.
His son Arthur Tay, who is SUTL’s chief executive, continued his father’s legacy by donating $300,000 over the years to NKF. He gave another $275,000 on Feb 24, on SUTL’s 55th year.
Mr Tay told The Straits Times: “It was natural for me to continue my father’s charity efforts to NKF.”
He said his father was a man of few words who seldom complained, despite his illness.
He added that he also believes in paying it forward.

SUTL chief executive Arthur Tay said it was natural for him to continue his father’s charity efforts to NKF. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
“My father taught me compassion – that because we have been blessed in business, we should give back. We should contribute if we can.”
As for Mr Izzad, he still has hopes of starting a family with his wife, Ms Nursharmin Zaman, whom he married in 2021.
Ms Nursharmin was his secondary school sweetheart. She motivated him to get his driving licence after his diagnosis, so he could work as a private-hire car driver.
“I can’t put it into words, she’s more than a partner to me,” he said. “Who will accept their other half with such a condition?”

Since his diagnosis at the age of 18, Mr Izzad has been receiving dialysis thrice a week for 11 years. ST PHOTO: RYAN CHIONG
Ms Nursharmin, who is 28 and works in data entry, accompanies her husband to his renal and rheumatoid appointments whenever she can.
Mr Izzad said: “Dialysis tires me out and sometimes I’ll have mood swings. My wife takes it in but doesn’t make a fuss. Only a few days after will I sincerely apologise to her. I don’t even know how she handles me.”
Like many dialysis patients, he hopes for a transplant as there is no cure for kidney failure.
The average wait time for a transplant from a deceased donor is 9½ years.
“Even though I know I’m not in the greatest condition, I know I’m living life in the best way possible,” Mr Izzad said.
“But if there is a future where I have a kidney for myself, who doesn’t want it? And of course, to start a family as well.”

 

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Sim Ann eats this only once.
The rest of the time, she goes back to meals cooked by her maids at home, or meals at restaurants.
Even if it is meals at food courts and hawker centres, it will be fancier: 2 meats and 1 veg; roast meat, curry, steak, burgers, zi char.
Sinkies eat this every meal: 1 meat, 2 veggies. $3.50
24/7, 365 days.

 

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Accounting firm BDO Singapore donates $50k to ST School Pocket Money Fund​

BDO Singapore managing partner Frankie Chia (left) presenting the cheque to STSPMF general manager Tan Bee Heong at the SPH News Centre. ST PHOTO: FELINE LIM

Yong Li Xuan

DEC 15, 2022

SINGAPORE - The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) received a $50,000 donation from accounting and business advisory firm BDO Singapore on Thursday.
To mark the firm’s 50th anniversary, BDO Singapore managing partner Frankie Chia presented the cheque to STSPMF general manager Tan Bee Heong at the SPH News Centre in Toa Payoh.
Mr Chia said that to celebrate its golden jubilee, the firm wanted to share its success with the community.
“As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, many low-income families may still face financial difficulties. We hope the contribution will help the children prepare for school in the new academic year,” he added.
As part of its celebrations, BDO Singapore also organised a virtual run and walk to raise funds for three charities – Club Rainbow, Thye Hua Kwan Nursing Home and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped.
Mr Chia explained that the firm donated to STSPMF because supporting children and youth is a pillar of its charitable giving strategy.
Every year, STSPMF provides pocket money to about 10,000 children and young people from families whose per capita gross monthly household income is not more than $690.

In September, BDO Singapore also donated $50,000 to the Singapore University of Social Sciences to provide grants to full-time students from low-income families who are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees at the university.
“No one should be left behind in education,” Mr Chia said.
“We hope these children and youth have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and give back to our country and the community later.”

 

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UOB raises $2.4 million for arts, children and education​

UOB said it raised the money in partnership with about 1,500 clients through its annual Chinese New Year celebrations. PHOTO: UOB

JAN 27, 2023

SINGAPORE - A total of $2.4 million has been raised by United Overseas Bank (UOB) in support of the arts, children and educational causes.
The bank said in a statement on Friday that it raised the money in partnership with about 1,500 clients through its annual Chinese New Year celebrations.
The funds will go to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and Central Singapore CDC (UOB My Digital Bootcamp).
They will also go towards assisting local small and medium-sized enterprises in their innovation efforts under the UOB-Singapore Management University Asian Enterprise Institute.
As part of fund raising, two art pieces with finishing touches by UOB’s deputy chairman and chief executive Wee Ee Cheong and his seal were auctioned off to Mr Kelvin Lim, executive chairman and group managing director of LHN Group, and Mr Neo Kah Kiat, founder, chairman and chief executive of Neo Group, for bids of $283,888 and $200,000, respectively.
The bidders were also given digital representations of the two art pieces, or non-fungible tokens.
About 40 clients also took part in an art workshop as part of the fund-raising effort.

Mr Wee said: “Our fund-raising activities bring businesses together for the greater good to support children, artists and budding entrepreneurs.
“We hope this annual tradition that combines art, philanthropy and celebrations will spread festive joy to the broader community in a meaningful way.”

 

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Guok Foundation donates $100,000 to ST School Pocket Money Fund​

Guok Foundation chairman Joshua Guok (right), accompanied by his father, Mr James Guok, presenting a mock cheque to Mr Jaime Ho (left), the editor of The Straits Times and board chairman of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Syarafana Shafeeq

FEB 24, 2023


SINGAPORE - Christian charity Guok Foundation donated $100,000 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) on Friday, marking its first public donation since its establishment.
The foundation was set up in mid-2022 as part of the late Ms Gertrude Guok’s last wishes to continue and honour the philanthropic and charitable works of her late parents.
Ms Guok, who died in 2018, was the eldest daughter of former schoolmaster Reverend (Canon) Guok Koh Muo, an Anglican pastor and philanthropist who dedicated his life to charity.
Ms Guok was the first local woman to be gazetted as Protector of Women and Girls for Works, which involved the protection of Chinese women and young girls from forced prostitution. She was also involved in the Government’s work on the prevention of cruelty to children, and the adoption of children.
Her nephew, Mr Joshua Guok, presented a mock cheque to Mr Jaime Ho, editor of The Straits Times and board chairman of STSPMF, at SPH Media Centre on Friday.
Mr Guok, who is the chairman of the foundation, said the fund was chosen because it has been around for many years and has helped many families through tough times.
Every year, STSPMF provides pocket money to about 10,000 children and young people from families whose per capita gross monthly household income is not more than $690.

Mr Guok said that in today’s economic climate, families grappling with the effects of inflation need more support.
“It’s good that we are able to help all these children have an easier time at school. Out of all the kids helped by the fund every year, who knows how many are the future leaders of Singapore?”
Mr Ho said: “On behalf of our team and especially the 10,000 students we support every year, we’re truly touched that the Guok Foundation has chosen The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund as their first public donation since being established.
“It is a timely reminder that every effort from our community helps, for those among us who need the fund’s humble but everyday helping hand.”
Initiated by The Straits Times in 2000, the fund has disbursed more than $90 million to more than 200,000 children.

 

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Singapore Land Group pledges $60k to Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund​

Beneficiaries from The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund enjoying themselves at the Balloon Extravaganza at Marina Square on March 10, 2023. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Judd Siow Rui Bin

MAR 11, 2023

SINGAPORE - Beneficiaries of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) learnt how to make balloon sculptures on Friday for an exhibition at Marina Square shopping mall.
Mall owner Singapore Land Group pledged $60,000 to the fund, in celebration of the company turning 60 in 2023.
The Hawaiian-themed exhibition at the mall features more than 100,000 balloon sculptures made by 46 artists and 15 beneficiaries of the STSPMF.
Members of the public will be able to buy the balloons, with a portion of the proceeds going to the STSPMF – a community project started in 2000 by The Straits Times to provide pocket money to children from low-income families.
The exhibition – held from Saturday to March 19 at the mall’s central atrium – has various activities, including a wave surfing simulator, a balloon sculpting workshop and a dart balloon game booth.

 

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Wilmar and its chairman Kuok Khoon Hong to donate $6 million to ST School Pocket Money Fund​

ST editor and chairman of STSPMF Jaime Ho (left) presenting Wilmar chairman and chief executive Kuok Khoon Hong with a token of appreciation. PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES SCHOOL POCKET MONEY FUND

July 13, 2023

SINGAPORE - The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) will receive a total of $6 million in donations from Wilmar International and its chairman and chief executive Kuok Khoon Hong.
The agribusiness group and Mr Kuok are set to contribute $1 million each per year for the next three years.
Between 2020 and 2022, Wilmar and Mr Kuok contributed a total sum of $7 million to STSPMF, which was started in 2000.
The donation will go towards providing pocket money for primary, secondary and post-secondary students from low-income families.
Mr Jaime Ho, editor of The Straits Times and chairman of STSPMF, said: “We support 10,000 students through the fund every year, and on their behalf, I convey our deepest appreciation to Mr Kuok and Wilmar for their continued generosity.
“Their contributions will help us to continue providing help to the children and youth among us who may need just a little help to get through school.”
Founded in 1991, Wilmar International is an agribusiness giant whose business activities include oil palm cultivation, oilseed crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, and manufacturing of consumer products.

The group has also been building, managing and supporting schools, as well as funding scholarships in the communities in which it operates.
Besides supporting STSPMF, Wilmar also works with various educational institutions in Singapore to provide scholarships and bursaries for underprivileged students with academic potential.

 

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PM Lee visits new multi-faith complex and Burj Khalifa on first official trip to UAE​

1 of 3

PM Lee Hsien Loong (fourth from left) touring the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Oct 21. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Shabana Begum

OCT 22, 2023

ABU DHABI - On his first official trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Saturday visited a new interfaith complex in the capital of Abu Dhabi that houses a mosque, a church and the country’s first official synagogue.
He signed a plaque at the Abrahamic Family House with the message “Unity in Diversity”, after visiting the three houses of worship, which have a similar white cubic architecture. They border an elevated garden that serves as a space for people of different faiths to gather.
The sprawling Abrahamic Family House that opened in 2023 was conceptualised in 2019 after a landmark declaration was signed by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the grand imam of Cairo’s prestigious Al-Azhar Mosque, calling for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, where he was received by Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
After a tour of the Burj Khalifa, PM Lee and his delegation were briefed on Dubai’s overall development in the last decade, as well as the Emirates’ vision and key economic initiatives to diversify and grow its economy to more than US$800 billion (S$1 trillion).

PM Lee Hsien Loong being given a tour of the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi on Oct 21. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
PM Lee arrived in Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, on Friday evening, after visiting Saudi Arabia from Tuesday to Friday. He will call on UAE President and ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Sunday.
The UAE is Singapore’s largest trading partner in the Middle East, with bilateral trade in goods amounting to $29.8 billion in 2022.

The country is interested to work with Singapore on emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and low-carbon technologies, and this visit will see PM Lee and his delegation meeting Emirati leaders to explore other areas of cooperation, said the Prime Minister’s press secretary.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Maliki Osman, who is also Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Education; Manpower Minister and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng; Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Transport Amy Khor; and Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and Health Janil Puthucheary.
A Singapore Business Federation delegation of about 30 business leaders from sectors such as finance, energy and maritime also visited the Middle East this week to gain insights to the business landscape in the Gulf Arab state and forge new partnerships.
Agritech firm Archisen, for instance, is hoping to deploy its urban farming solutions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and is seeking partners in food distribution, finance and construction.
Solar energy contractor Clean Kinetics has installed about 1.95 million solar modules in Abu Dhabi’s two-gigawatt Al-Dhafra solar project, which translates to about half of the project’s energy capacity.
“We are interested in participating in future solar projects in the region and (finding) other opportunities, including the recycling and robotic cleaning of solar panels and the use of drones for inspection,” said Clean Kinetics’ chief development officer Lee Kah Lup.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Tycoon Kwek Leng Beng donates $24m to SIT, funds to help nurture talent in hospitality sector​

The donation is timed to mark the launch of a new biography of Hong Leong Group and City Developments Limited chairman Kwek Leng Beng (centre). PHOTO: HONG LEONG GROUP

Vihanya Rakshika
Correspondent

NOV 11, 2023

SINGAPORE - A tower at the upcoming Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) campus in Punggol will be named after tycoon Kwek Leng Beng, who on Thursday donated $24 million to the university.
The money – matched by the Government to bring the total SIT endowment to $60 million – is aimed at nurturing future talent, especially in the hospitality sector, the Hong Leong Group said in a statement.
The donation was timed to mark the launch of Mr Kwek’s new biography, Strictly Business: The Kwek Leng Beng Story, on Thursday.
The 82-year-old is chairman of Hong Leong Group and City Developments Limited, and rarely speaks to the press.
The statement said: “Few knew that when he gave a nod for the book, Mr Kwek had one self-imposed condition: He wanted to mark the project’s completion with a meaningful donation to society.”
Earlier in 2023, he donated $720,000, which will go towards starting six new SIT academic initiatives, including bursaries and scholarships for SIT undergraduates enrolled in the hospitality business course, the statement added.
The Kwek Leng Beng University Tower aims to symbolise the tycoon’s commitment to education and the development of industry professionals, it said.

The 257-page biography is written by author Peh Shing Huei, who is the founding partner of content agency The Nutgraf.
It details Mr Kwek’s business philosophy and journey over six decades and is available at major bookshops, World Scientific Publishing and The Nutgraf Books.

PHOTO: HONG LEONG GROUP SINGAPORE

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Ngee Ann Kongsi donates $6m to Duke-NUS Medical School​

Senior Minister of State for Finance Chee Hong Tat (centre) at the cheque presentation with (from left) Ngee Ann Kongsi vice-presidents Teo Kiang Ang and Lie Kee Pong and president Wu Chiaw Ching, Duke-NUS Medical School governing board chairman Goh Yew Lin and dean Thomas Coffman and SingHealth Group chief executive Ivy Ng. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI

Shermaine Ang

OCT 24, 2023

SINGAPORE – The Ngee Ann Kongsi has pledged up to $6 million to Duke-NUS Medical School to advance healthcare education and nurture the next generation of healthcare leaders and professionals.
The Teochew philanthropic organisation and the school signed a memorandum of understanding at the Ngee Ann Kongsi Members’ Gala Night on Monday.
The $6 million funding will be disbursed over six years in the Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Scholars Programme.
Established in 2009, the programme supports Duke-NUS’ doctor of medicine students with scholarships and awards.
The programme will also be extended to clinical, nursing, and allied health professionals and educators from the Academic Medicine Education Institute under the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre.
Senior Minister of State for Finance Chee Hong Tat, who was guest of honour at the event, highlighted The Ngee Ann Kongsi’s contributions over the years.
It donated $37.7 million to charity in 2021, and $15 million in 2022 to give secondary school students free digital access to Lianhe Zaobao and other content for mother tongue language-learning.

Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Chee said these philanthropic efforts will help reduce inequality and build a more united society that can better face future challenges.
He urged members of the audience to donate and offer what they can to give back to society, and in so doing work with the Government to create a new social compact through the Forward Singapore exercise.
Forward Singapore, a year-long public consultation which aims to chart a road map for Singapore for the next decade, is expected to release a report on Friday.
Held at the Chui Huay Lim Club, Monday’s event was attended by more than 300 guests comprising members of The Ngee Ann Kongsi and 10 Teochew clans and associations, including Teochew Federation (Singapore), Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan, Teo Ann Huay Kuan and Singapore Kityang Huay Kwan.
Since the 1930s, The Ngee Ann Kongsi has been donating to various causes in Singapore in the areas of education, welfare and the arts. In the past two years, it has also been supporting healthcare education and research.
Dr Wu Chiaw Ching, president of The Ngee Ann Kongsi, highlighted the transformative power of education in bettering society.
“We are proud to join hands with Duke-NUS to support and nurture healthcare professionals across all health domains, empowering them in their education to enhance the quality of care and benefit society.”
Professor Thomas Coffman, dean of Duke-NUS, said the additional support will benefit a diverse community of healthcare professionals and educators in the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre.
“With this visionary partnership, we are poised to cultivate a cohort of versatile, forward-thinking medical practitioners and allied health experts, bolstering Singapore’s future healthcare landscape.”

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

FairPrice Group gives $40k in donations to Mendaki, breaks fast with beneficiaries​

Presentation of cheque for the $40,000 donation to Mendaki CEO Zuraidah Abdullah (extreme right). PHOTO: FAIRPRICE GROUP

Carmen Sin

APR 03, 2024

SINGAPORE – FairPrice Foundation, the philantrophic arm of FairPrice Group, on April 2 donated $40,000 to Malay/Muslim self-help group Yayasan Mendaki to support continuing education for the underprivileged in the community.
The “meaningful donation” is expected to aid about 200 beneficiaries, said Mendaki chief executive Zuraidah Abdullah, who received the cheque at a buka puasa, or break fast, event hosted by the foundation on the same day.
She expressed gratitude that FairPrice “shares Mendaki’s mission in helping to uplift families through education” and signals that support through meaningful donation.
Madam Zuraidah added that FairPrice was a long-standing corporate partner of Mendaki and thanked them for their generosity since 2014.
“We hope more would come forward to partner Mendaki to help students pursue their studies and dreams,” she said.
The foundation has contributed over $500,000 to Mendaki over the last decade, the group said in a statement on April 3.
Some beneficiaries of the donation from the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union attended the event, which was organised together with NTUC and Focus Area 4, a joint project of the M³ alliance comprising Mendaki, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the People’s Association Malay Activity Executive Committees Council (Mesra).

NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng greeting beneficiaries at the FPG and NTUC Buka Puasa event. PHOTO: FAIRPRICE GROUP
Attendees broke fast after a prayer led by Deputy Mufti Mohammad Hannan Hassan.
“We hope our efforts will bring some joy for our Muslim brothers and sisters during Ramadan. We’ll do our best to be alongside our workers to manage the cost of living,” said NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng. He attended the event and witnessed the presentation of the cheque, along with chairman of the Focus Area 4 taskforce Fahmi Aliman.
The gathering also marked the first distribution of community care packs from FairPrice Group’s 50th anniversary staff donation drive in 2023, which raised $27,600 in total. Each attendee received a care pack that included “pineapple tarts, dates, chicken curry paste, and $200 worth of FairPrice and Kopitiam vouchers” to help defray food expenses, said the group.
FairPrice Group will host another buka puasa event on April 4, at Selarang Halfway House in partnership with Singapore Prisons Service and Bapa Sepanjang Hayat. The event will give ex-offenders a chance to reconnect with their families during Ramadan, the foundation said.
Other upcoming festive activities organised by FairPrice Group include two block parties, at Bedok North and Bukit Batok, on April 20.

 

[Scrooball (clone)]

$40,000 and make a big fanfare to show they are generous? All the media coverage and shit? Cheaper than tv advertisements! This is truly despicable.

 

[mojito]

So free arh no wonder losing money every year.